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I was told to read the Gospels of Jesus (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Christian Scriptures).  I would see Jesus as a tolerant, all inclusive, accepting one. 

I liked the epistles that Paul and Peter and James and John wrote.  They were straightforward advice.  No mush and gush.

I decided to read the Gospels again and get an insight on Jesus’ inclusiveness and acceptance.  The Gospels disappointed me.

Jesus was not nice.  Or accepting of all sorts of things.  He was messy and opinionated.  And winsome and attractive.  He started with crowds.  He called down destruction on his religion’s home town.  He disliked the religious leaders.  His famous sermon on the mount basically says none of us can be perfect like God, but he tells us we should be.  His last week of life he alienated all sorts of people.  Only some women and a few men were willing to stick with him at his crucifixion. 

A much more tolerant, loving Jesus would be easier to handle.

I have a brother-in-law, Tim Barton, who preaches and ministers at the Canby Alliance Church in Canby, Oregon (www.canbyalliance.org).  He sends out his sermon notes every week.  This week he’s beginning sermons on mental health.  Good stuff.  Here is quote from part of his sermon that I pulled out regarding a prophet from the Old Testament who struggled with debilitating mental health issues.

Remember, Elijah had run away from his calling. Deserted the people God sent him to. God’s grace covered his failure. God hadn’t given up on Elijah even though Elijah had given up on himself. Phil Ryken, “His life still had a kingdom purpose. So does ours: not matter how discouraged we are today, God still has a bright plan for our tomorrow.”

Last thought – Elijah’s tree and Jesus’ cross.

Over 100 years ago the German preacher F. W. Krummacher compared Elijah’s broom tree to the cross where Jesus died. I end with his eloquent, insightful, and encouraging words, “Listen. As often as it will seem to you as if it were enough, as if the burden of life is no longer to be borne, do as Elijah did. Flee, you, too to the silence of solitude, and I will show you a tree, and there you will cast yourself down. It is the cross. Yes, a tree covered with thorns and barbs that pierce the soul, girded about with nails that wound the heart and cause pain and suffering. But this tree also has a scent that refreshes the soul. In the presence of the cross you no longer think of complaining about the greatness of your sufferings. For the love of God in Jesus Christ for you poor sinner will soon draw all your thoughts and reflections away from everything else. Under the cross our complaining will soon be absorbed in the peace of the Lord.”

I suppose back in the old days people had horses that carried goods to retail outlets and prospective clients.  After they were done for the day, the horses would be placed in the livery – the place where they lived. 

I imagine as they trotted out the next morning, they had to head out from “de-livery” to do their job.

And so, off they went on their merry way, thankful to be doing their delivery of the day.

But what did they have in their care?  What were they to deliver?  The “goods” from the wholesaler or the retailer, the farm or the royal bakery. 

What would have happened if the produce had been bad?  Would a person have become sick from the “bads” that were delivered?  Not a pleasant thought for one’s bodily organs.

All that to say, if you see a horse, headed down the road just a carryin’ a load – perhaps they are attempting to do bring de “goods” for “de-liver-y”.

And next blog I’ll have to ask my wife to edit for humour – or lack thereof!!

Well, Kindersley applied for city status in Saskatchewan.  The bottom line seems to be a head count of 5,000 people.  An early census had pegged us at less than the minimum numbers.  Alternative attempts at counting Kindersley residents would place us over the top.

The ministry of the government of Saskatchewan has informed the Town of Kindersley that they won’t be a city – at least not in the near future.  Appeals will certainly be made – perhaps to sympathetic ears.

What about being proactive? 

Open up an expanded birthing wing in the hospital.  Encourage all couples to have more children.  One person had suggested just having more children around would add up!

Of course, senior couples might find this a little tough.  Maybe they could have their grandchildren visit on an extended basis.  The more the merrier!

Parents with teenage and 20/30-somethings can encourage their children to live in Kindersley and help create a baby boom. 

With a booming population, we can become the town, . . . oops, the city of the future!